A while ago, (one of) my o3DS bricked with the blue screen. It doesn't have any sort of cfw, in fact i dont think the SD card was ever even taken out of it. I saw online that it is either a software problem (NAND) or a hardware problem (Microcontroller). Is there any way to tell? Is it fixable even if it is a hardware problem? If so, where could I find a replacement part?
Sounds like a faulty NAND. In theory you could use ntrboot to skip sysNAND and load into an emuNAND on SD, but Luma3DS for some reason won't load into emuNAND if you don't have a working sysNAND. You still need a NAND dump to make an emuNAND, but you could potentially modify one from another console to work, so that's not the biggest hurdle. It's an o3DS though, I don't think they go for much, so you could get a used one for cheap and sell the one you have as bricked, someone will want it for parts. Or take this opportunity to upgrade to a n3DS.
Okay, thanks for the advice. Do you have any links that could point me in that direction?
I'm afraid not, it's not my area of expertise. @TurdPooCharger is better at this.
Brick caused by soft(ware) bootrom 8046.
- [3ds.hacks.guide] ntrboot + R4i Gold 3DS Plus
- Repair the 3DS firmware + custom firmware with CTRTransfer (Type D9) - CTRTransfer. Carefully read and follow the Instructions.
even though i never touched anything firmware wise, is it still possible that it could be a soft brick and thus fixable with ntrboot and the r4 cartridge? or would that suggest it needs a motherboard replacement?
That depends.
A likely scenario of a software blue screens of death is where the 3DS doesn't have custom firmware but does uses a Gateway 3DS flashcart. Those who system update the 3DS firmware to a version newer than 11.2 will experience the infamous gateway softbrick the next time they launch the flashcart.
It's possible to end up with a hardware blue screens of death 'doing nothing' by leaving the 3DS plugged in to the AC charger during a thunderstorm.
The error code helps to distinguish whether the bootrom 8046 is a software brick vs hardware brick.
Error codes will vary depending on the exact underlying cause of the brick, but the general rule of thumb is as follows.
If the third row readout has FF's, this is a software brick.
However, if that line has 00's, it's a hardware brick.
Honestly, dude it really depends on what you want. How much do you value this DS? I know, if my o3DS turned to be bricked, I'd try my absolute hardest to fix it. Because it's a huge part of my childhood, even though it sucked.
Just think to yourself man, is it going to benefit you?
Unless, you have the money to buy a new 3DS all-together, replace it.
Replacing the motherboard would be an option if you wish to salvage that o3DS. This depends if you're comfortable with opening up electronics. You will need a philips screwdriver sized 'PH00' along with the replacement mobo like the one listed in post #6.
- [aliexpress] Vastar Screwdriver Set 25 in 1 Torx Multifunctional Opening Repair Tool Set Precision Screwdriver For Phones Tablet PC
- [eBay] best Magnet Torx Phillips Star Screwdriver Repair Tool For Phone Laptop La
- [eBay] best Magnet Torx Star Screwdriver Repair Tool For Phone Laptop Pip
***
It's technically possible to revive a bad motherboard that has a dead/fried NAND chip, but it's not so cheap or easy to pull off.
- [noodevisions] Creating a USA Non-XL *New* 3DS Hardware Variant
- Repairing dead new 3ds LL
- [r/3dshacks] Best Hardmods for New 3DS XL?
- see the discussion chain started by MathewPKfan2001.
Basically, use a hot air rework station to remove the dead chip, cleanup the solder balls, mount an microSD card slot reader in place, solder some fine gage wires between the reader and data pinout points on the motherboard, and then use a 2 GB microSD card as the replacement NAND chip. There's also the hurdle rebuilding the 3DS firmware + custom firmware with a donor o3DS nand images & Lazarus3DS.
***
Easiest option would be to sell your dead o3DS as-is for spare parts and get a replacement 3DS. When Nintendo starts selling hard goods again at their online stores, see my signature for official refurbished system.
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